Israeli ‘harem’ leader, 60, charged with rape, incest

LONDON - An Israeli ‘harem’ leader has been slapped with rape and incest charges after being accused of enticing several women to worship him and siring at least 49 children with them.

Goel Ratzon was said to have presented himself as a “godlike” figure to the women, who tattooed themselves with his face and name.

The 60-year-old, who is also accused of raping underage girls, created an “image of an omnipotent one who was blessed with supernatural powers and the ability to heal, destroy and cast curses.”

“Through this total control the defendant led the women to completely scrap their character and devote their existence to satisfy his needs, including his financial and sexual needs,” the Telegraph quoted the authorities as saying.

Ratzon denied any wrongdoing when speaking outside his hearing at the Tel Aviv Magistrates’ Court.

He said: “They can say things about me that are not true. They are pressuring me during investigation.” (ANI)